What is thalassemia?

Thalassemia, short for Mediterranean anemia, also known as Cooley's anemia, is a genetic disorder. This disease is caused by genetic factors leading to impaired or defective synthesis of globin peptide chains, preventing patients from producing hemoglobin normally and consequently causing hemolytic anemia. Based on the severity of thalassemia, it can be classified into three types: mild, intermediate, and severe. Patients with mild thalassemia usually exhibit no obvious symptoms, while those with intermediate and severe types may experience pallor, poor appetite, delayed growth, jaundice, and inadequate development. Regarding treatment, mild thalassemia generally does not require specific treatment. However, patients with intermediate and severe thalassemia may need interventions such as blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. In some cases, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might be necessary for a definitive cure.